Improving working memory function for school-aged children
Children with Down syndrome have particular deficits in working memory function. This system
is involved in all mental activities, including speaking, listening and understanding
speech, mental arithmetic, thinking, reasoning and reading.
Research
This study will investigate the ways of improving working memory function in more detail, and to
determine the factors that contribute to securing long-term gains in memory abilities.
The study
will be a randomised controlled trial involving children with Down syndrome attending mainstream
schools. The children's Learning Support Assistants will be trained to deliver a memory training
programme during two 15 minute lessons per day over a three month period (school term). The
children will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive the training
programme for one term and the other group will receive the programme during the following term.
During the second year, the children will be reassessed to investigate the long-term impact of
the intervention.
Investigators
Partners and advisors
Location
Study results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific publications. Practice
implications will be published in periodicals for families and professionals, including
Down Syndrome Research and Practice
and incorporated into freely available Down Syndrome Topics
advice and information summaries and Down Syndrome Issues
and Information books. Open Access articles and summaries will be provided
for reproduction in the newsletters and journals of associations, support groups
and professional societies. The study results will also be shared
through the charity's training courses and its contributions to
conferences in the UK and worldwide.
Impact
- Effective strategies for securing lasting gains in memory function for children with Down
syndrome
- Practical guidance for parents and practitioners on improving memory skills for children with Down syndrome
We are seeking funds for this project.
If you would like to support this work, please visit our giving site for details
of how you can help or contact giving@downsed.org.